University

08/23/2010

Join us to discuss "Civilizing the Economy" with Marvin Brown

When a handful of people thrive while whole industries implode and millions suffer, it is clear that something is wrong with our economy. The wealth of the few is disconnected from the misery of the many. In his new book, Civilizing the Economy, Saybrook Organizational Systems faculty member Marvin Brown traces the origin of this economics of dissociation to early capitalism, showing how this is illustrated in Adam Smith's denial of the central role of slavery in wealth creation.

In place of the Smithian economics of property, Brown proposes that we turn to the original meaning of economics as household management. He presents a new framework for the global economy that reframes its purpose as the making of provisions instead of the accumulation of property. This bold new vision establishes the civic sphere as the platform for organizing an inclusive economy and as a way to move toward a more just and sustainable world.

Marvin Brown will be speaking at Saybrook to discuss what a new economic model, based on civic life, would look like – and how we can get there. The event is free, but reservations are required.